A Diabetes Video Project for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans

The American Diabetes Association wants to fight the shame and blame surrounding diabetes—and it's turning to the public for culturally significant help. Through November 15, the ADA invites Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) to record videos of themselves discussing diabetes for its Living With Diabetes—In Your Own Words video campaign.

Jennifer Puryear, director of the ADA's youth, prevention, and new patient initiatives, says diabetes can carry negative perceptions, including in AANHPI cultures. Some people with diabetes worry they will be a burden on their families, and the result often is they don't maintain their health as well as they could. Puryear says she has seen that worry and shame in her own family. "My dad didn't want people to know about his diabetes," she says. "He went years without managing his diabetes." Now, Puryear's father is open about his health.

Videos for the campaign will cover the gamut of AANHPI cultures and can be recorded in people's native languages, Puryear says. Such videos also will include a summary in English.